unlikely

adjective

un·​like·​ly ˌən-ˈlī-klē How to pronounce unlikely (audio)
Synonyms of unlikelynext
1
: not likely : improbable
an unlikely outcome
2
: likely to fail : unpromising
an unlikely place to see much wildlife

Synonyms of unlikely

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Examples of unlikely in a Sentence

He was an unlikely candidate for the position. A big city seems like an unlikely place to find wildlife. I received support from an unlikely ally.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Friedman began her remarks by reminding the audience of von Furstenberg’s unlikely beginning, born in Brussels to a Holocaust survivor. — Ariel Bielsky, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 Dahlia Scheindlin, a veteran pollster who works for left-of-center candidates and parties in Israel, speculated that the number of returning overseas voters was unlikely to be big enough to change the outcome of the election. — Daniel Brook, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026 Widespread rain chances remain unlikely until at least the middle of next week, but timing is uncertain. — Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026 Even if oil prices retreat, fares are unlikely to return to pre conflict levels. — CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unlikely

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlikely was in the 14th century

Rhymes for unlikely

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Browse Nearby Words

unlikeliness
unlikely
unlikeness
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Cite this Entry

“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlikely. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unlikely

adjective
un·​like·​ly ˌən-ˈlī-klē How to pronounce unlikely (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not likely : improbable
an unlikely story
2
: likely to fail : unpromising
an unlikely place for fishing
unlikeliness noun
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